Project DISCOVER

Project DISCOVER is focused on combining porous materials with 3D-printing technology to adsorb PFAS from aqueous media.  PFAS are Persistent, Bio-accumulative, Mobile Toxins (PBMT’s) which are known by their infamous moniker “forever chemicals”.  While traditional activated carbon based water purification systems are somewhat effective, they are not easily regenerated and spent adsorbent is landfilled, reintroducing the pollutants into the environment.  New adsorbent technologies are needed to selectively adsorb and concentrate aqueous PFAS.  WISE primarily tests zeolites from the advanced materials library to selectively adsorb PFAS from water.  Team members work with the Army Corps of Engineers to test effective zeolite powders, and then integrate them into solid monoliths for easier utilization.